All-Star left-hander Andrew Miller, who was recently activated from the disabled list, could be headed back after leaving the game in the seventh inning when he re-aggravated the patella tendinitis injury in his right knee.

Indians first baseman Carlos Santana also left the game with an injury, exiting in the eighth inning with lower back tightness. He last pitched on August 20 against the Royals and gave up six runs and 12 hits in four and two-third innings.

"I wasn't doing us any favors", he said. His efforts failed him as he walked Mookie Betts to lead off the inning before throwing a first pitch ball to Andre Benintendi.

"We'll go back to the drawing board", Francona said.

Francona said Jay Bruce had mentioned in passing last week that he could play first base. Manager Terry Francona has been able to use Miller at just about any point in a game depending upon the situation at hand, and losing a pitcher with his versatility is a tough blow for Cleveland to absorb.

Francona said Santana was almost a late scratch. "Then when he sat down, it kind of grabbed at him". "I feel pretty good", he said. While he's had another solid season, Miller has not been almost as dominant and his velocity has dropped considerably in the past month. "I know he's not, but you're walking guys to get to the next guy and it gets unsafe, as you can see".

Catcher Roberto Perez then hit a sacrifice bunt, on his third attempt, into a fielder's choice.